Thread: First SRS

Keep at it.
It is a fun and satisfying way to shave.

Heck, if we HAVE to shave, we might as well enjoy the process....right!

Yesterday I did my first xtg pass. It went ok. Today was the second attempt and it was closer, but less comfortable. I got a few little spots of irritation. Pressure on the blade seems to be one of the most problematic issues for me. Gotta learn to be gentle with my poor face.

All in all it's very relaxing and fun to shave this way. I'm glad I took the plunge to get a sr . I'm sure as time wears on the shaves well get closer, more comfortable, and more nick free.

It's a nice way to start the day. Since I started I've progressively gotten up earlier, 45 minutes in all. I'm thinking perhaps a scuttle may be my next investment down the road. We'll see. Big thanks to all for your continued help.

Watched some lathering videos yesterday evening and found some nice tips for building a lather. Put them into practice, eased up the pressure on my strop. As a result I had the most comfortable shave yet. The lather made a big difference!

These are the videos I watched:

https://youtu.be/aWeIr-UQaxg
Lynn gets mega props for this sweet vid!

https://youtu.be/_4zESTQWDuw
Excellent and useful. Lots of detail.

https://youtu.be/Yf_6BIuPCro
Nice tips for lather readiness.

Each was excellent!

As has been said, you are well on your way!

Think "Comfort first, close will come"
It's a fine motor skill at the end of the day and it takes a little practice - there are not any "hacks" to a great shave...edge, prep, lather, stretch and pattern but you seem to be on the way.

Smooth Shaving...

Omg! Best shave yet this morning! Today I worked out what a light touch actually is. It's feather light. I got bbs on my cheeks and finally figured out how to get close around the crease in my neck.

Of course, in order to get it just right I made like 4 passes to get the technique right. Now I have some lovely razor burn. The lesson learned was worth the discomfort, though.

I'm overjoyed that this is such an enjoyable activity. Honestly I would love to have a beard, but, that's just not an option for me. So, I thought to myself, if I have to shave I may as well enjoy it. A friend mentioned he was thinking about trying srs and that made me curious. I did some research, found srp, and it was all over.

This forum rules!

Darn tootin' it is! Glad to hear it's going well. Do you have anything for a post shave to help with irritation?

Originally Posted by dinnermint

Darn tootin' it is! Glad to hear it's going well. Do you have anything for a post shave to help with irritation?

I actually don't. Locally there aren't any stores with acceptable options I'm aware of. Waiting to have some cash to get some after shave stuff. (Hopefully another razor, too)

Sounds like a plan. Samples will keep costs down and if you don't like the scent, you're not out as much money. Although there are some substitutes that can be had in local stores. I do believe nivea comes recommended and one cream that I can't remember the name. It's like an udder cream in a red and white package, I do believe Hirlau's familiy is using it extensively... Wegman's, Walgreens and bed bath & beyond will give you some options. BB&B by me has expanded their shaving/pharmacy area a lot.

Glad to hear it is getting better! Before you know it you will wonder how you ever shaved with anything else

So. I had such irritation from a shave a few days ago that when I did a practice lather later that day it burned so severely that I thought my frankincense soap was a skin allergen and irritant.

Turns out that lathering issues coupled with an improperly stropped edge and poor (read: overconfident) technique resulted in my face being on fire. I know this because I stropped up my razor, being careful to roll the edge away from the spine on the terminal stroke. I allowed the lathered soap to set on my face while stropping, and avoided overuse of water.

I discovered that is easier to get a good angle under my chin on the wtg pass if I jut my chin forward. Skin stretching also seems to play a major role in irritation avoidance.

The result of all these things together resulted in a very comfortable, close, and consistent shave. Best shave yet today. I get plenty close with wtg and xtg. Still thinking I won't ever do atg.

Today is shave 14 with a sr. Thanks to the members here and the tips they gave I have made nice progress. Obsessive research, careful patience, and trial and error is the path to progress for any skilled endeavor. To anyone just starting or thinking of starting, keep at it! We'll all get there some day. Take pleasure in the little improvements. Don't get too down on yourself for nicking your strop. Have fun!

Oh yeah, I just dropped two bills on another razor, DR Harris soap, crox, and other stuff. I think I may be developing an acquisition disorder.